In Vivo Assessment of Skin Hydration and Moisturisation Using a Multi-Wavelength Optical Sensing Wearable.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Dermatology
• Optical Sensing Technology

Background:

• Skin hydration is crucial for skin barrier function and overall skin health.
• Accurate assessment of skin hydration is vital for diagnosing and managing various skin conditions like eczema.
• Current methods for skin hydration measurement have limitations in depth and accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate an innovative multi-wavelength optical sensing device for enhanced skin hydration measurement.
• To investigate the device's capability in probing deeper skin layers beyond the epidermis.
• To validate the device's accuracy and sensitivity using specific water absorption wavelengths.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-wavelength optical sensing device targeting water absorption peaks at 970 nm and 1450 nm.
• Conducting ex vivo desorption tests on porcine skin using the optical sensor against reference techniques.
• Performing a 7-day in vivo study on human participants, comparing a moisturized forearm to an untreated control forearm.

Main Results:

• The optical device demonstrated heightened sensitivity and accuracy in detecting variations in skin moisture levels.
• Differential gradients showed an over 50-fold larger incremental response in the moisturized forearm compared to the control.
• Linear regression analysis against the Corneometer confirmed moderately strong inverse correlations (R values ranging from -0.391 to -0.741).

Conclusions:

• The developed optical sensing device offers a precise and sensitive method for assessing skin hydration.
• This technology provides deeper insights into skin water content, surpassing traditional surface-level measurements.
• The findings support the device's potential for refined skin diagnostics and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for skin health.